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by Tamar Love Grande
A bored dog is a naughty dog, and since dachshunds are already prone to mischief, you can only imagine what the trouble a bored dachshund can cause! Be proactive and engage in activities that will stimulate (and tire out) your doxie. For the most part, they can engage in the same activities as other dog breeds, with only a few limitations.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is important for keeping your dachshund in good physical condition. Daily walks are a must! Unless your doxie is old or infirm, she will enjoy as long a walk as you give her—don’t be deceived by the short legs!
Dachshunds of all ages enjoy playing with their owners. Make time each day for one-on-one playtime with your little guy, and you’ll increase the bond between you. Hide-and-seek with treats is a favorite game, as is fetch, especially with a squeaky plush toy. Dachshunds do well in pairs, so you might also consider getting your buddy a buddy. Avoid playing tug-of-war with your doxie as the tugging motion can injure his back.
Although not every dachshund likes the offleash dog park, most enjoy it quite a lot. Try to stay in the small-dog section of your park, where your little dog can safely play with other small or gentle dogs. Don’t be too surprised if your doxie prefers to sniff around, rather than engaging in play. However if you can encourage play with other dogs, you’ll be doing your doxie a favor—a well-socialized dog is an asset when you are in public places.
Even though dachshunds are stubborn and can be difficult to train, they should complete at least a basic training class. If your dog seems to enjoy learning new tricks, then you might want to explore more advanced classes.
Not just for big dogs, agility is a fun way to keep your dachshund trim and focused. Dachshunds use specialized agility courses that do not involve jumping more than a couple of inches, so your doxie can safely engage in this activity. They especially love going through the tunnel!
Dachshunds do extremely well with earth dog, an outdoor activity that indulges and enhances their hunting instincts. Bred to sniff out underground badger dens and then “sound” (called spurlaching) when they’ve located their prey, dachshunds will especially enjoy sniffing out and barking at underground prey. Earth dog is a safe, fun way to engage this instinct; Google “earth dog trials” to find a group near you.
Unless poorly socialized early in life, many dachshunds can be excellent therapy dogs. Their small, portable size, their proclivity for giving kisses and their love of people make them highly qualified for visiting and comforting the elderly or infirm. To find a program near you, Google “therapy dog certification” or visit the Delta Society’s website (www.deltasociety.org).
You should also know that one of your dachshund’s favorite activities might be barking like crazy at anything and everything. Although dachshunds differ in their love of this sport, they all have the instinct. Remember, they were bred to locate and bark at their prey. Please do not consider de-barking your dachshund! It is an inhumane practice, similar in scope, pain and consequence to de-clawing a cat. Instead, use a noisemaker, water spray bottle or, if absolutely necessary, a citronella collar to train your dachshund to bark only when allowed.
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